fish description – Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami Care Guide ( ‘Cobalt Blue’ Strain)
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Appearance and Sexual Differences
- Short Description: Males are famous for their solid, intense metallic blue body color, often with red or orange accents only on the fins or fin margins. Like all gouramis, they have thread-like pelvic fins used for sensing.
- Coloration: The body is a brilliant iridescent blue. Males are significantly more colorful and larger. Females are smaller and typically a duller silvery-grey, often carrying a more rounded belly.
- Fins: Males have elongated, pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females have shorter, more rounded fins. Males are the bubble nest builders.
- Behavior: A shy, middle-to-top dwelling species. As a Labyrinth fish, it must have unimpeded access to the water surface to breathe atmospheric air. Males can be aggressive toward other males or similar-looking fish.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
- Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons is the minimum, but a 20-gallon long tank is strongly recommended for water stability and horizontal swimming space. A secure lid is needed to trap warm, moist air above the water.
- Schooling: Best kept as a single male (as a centerpiece) or a pair (1 male, 1–2 females). Do not keep multiple males together unless the tank is very large and heavily decorated with line-of-sight breaks.
- Temperature: Tropical range: ––. Consistent warmth is important, as temperature fluctuations can cause stress.
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.0 to 7.5. They require pristine, stable water quality with minimal nitrates. Soft to moderately hard water is preferred.
- Aquascape: Thrives in a heavily planted tank with plenty of driftwood and cover. Floating plants (like Water Sprite or Frogbit) are vital to diffuse bright light and provide anchoring points for the male’s bubble nest. Use gentle filtration to keep water flow minimal.
Diet and Feeding
The Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami is an omnivore with a preference for meat and some vegetable matter.
- Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets formulated for tropical fish. Look for foods with color enhancers (like spirulina or krill) to maintain the vibrant blue.
- Supplementation: A varied diet is essential. Offer live or frozen foods regularly: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, and Daphnia. They will also graze on soft algae.
- Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are slow eaters and may be out-competed by faster, more boisterous tank mates.
Compatibility
- Caution: Highly sensitive and prone to stress and disease if water quality drops or they are bullied. Avoid all large, boisterous, or aggressive fish, and steer clear of known fin-nippers.
- Good Tank Mates: Other small, peaceful fish that occupy the lower water levels or are similarly calm. Examples include Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, small Tetras (Neon, Ember), and Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili).






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